Our Team

Alex serves as Lead Counselor Assistant for Pine Tree Recovery Center’s Outpatient Program, bringing three years of substance use disorder treatment experience to her role. Drawing from both professional training and personal insight, she supports clients through early recovery with compassion and understanding. Before joining Pine Tree in 2024, Alex managed a women’s sober living residence within the Guardian network, which sparked her passion for recovery support. Her active participation in Portland’s AA community allows her to form meaningful connections with clients through shared experience. A Cornell University graduate, Alex is deeply committed to Pine Tree’s mission of saving and restoring lives affected by substance use and mental health disorders, approaching each client’s healing journey with dedication and empathy.

Anya Wilhelmi, PMHNP, is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Pine Tree Recovery Center specializing in comprehensive mental health care. With extensive experience providing outpatient psychiatric services in Windham, Anya has developed expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various mental health conditions across the lifespan. She takes pride in building strong, therapeutic relationships with clients, creating individualized treatment plans that address both substance use and mental health concerns. Anya is deeply committed to Guardian Recovery’s mission of helping individuals find hope on their journey to wellness. “I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a field where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day,” says Anya. Her patient-centered approach and dedication to evidence-based care reflect her passion for supporting clients through their recovery process.

Meg, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Pine Tree Recovery Center, brings over six years of specialized experience in addiction and recovery medicine to Guardian Recovery. As an FNP-C with a diverse healthcare background, her professional journey includes five years in emergency medicine, followed by roles in primary care and inpatient hospital medicine. With a master’s degree in education and experience instructing Wilderness Emergency Medicine courses, Meg combines clinical expertise with a passion for education. Her extensive medical background enables her to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each client’s unique recovery journey. When not helping clients find hope and healing, Meg enjoys exploring Maine’s great outdoors through long-distance hiking and trail running, activities that reinforce her belief in the restorative power of nature.

Brian Krantz serves as the Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) Supervisor at Pine Tree Recovery Center, where he has dedicated himself since 2018. In his leadership role, Brian oversees the BHT department while focusing on providing exceptional client care and comprehensive training for new staff members. Drawing strength from his personal recovery journey, Brian brings unique insight and authenticity to his work processing intakes, facilitating groups, and fostering meaningful daily interactions with clients. His firsthand experience enables him to connect with clients on a deeper level, offering hope and understanding throughout their healing process. Brian is passionate about Pine Tree Recovery Center’s mission of holistic, personalized treatment and remains committed to helping individuals find their path to lasting recovery and wellness.

Emily Menichelli, RN, serves as Assistant Director of Nursing at Pine Tree Recovery Center. With degrees in Nursing and Medical Biology, both earned summa cum laude, she brings exceptional academic credentials to her role. Emily’s experience includes caring for pediatric and adult patients as a CNA at Maine Medical Center before joining our team in 2024. Her personal journey through recovery adds profound depth and authenticity to her work with clients, making her uniquely qualified to provide compassionate care. As a valued member of our leadership team, Emily is known for her empathy, accountability, and dedication to creating a collaborative healing environment where clients can find hope on their path to recovery.

Gavin Black, Lead Behavioral Health Technician at Pine Tree Recovery Center and Master’s candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wake Forest University. Currently pursuing dual licensure in drug and alcohol counseling and clinical mental health. Specializes in understanding the relationship between motivation and sustainable recovery, with particular focus on what drives purposeful change throughout treatment and early recovery. Working directly with clients at Pine Tree Recovery Center provides invaluable opportunities to explore these themes on a deep and meaningful level. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their own path to healing through supportive, motivation-focused care. Dedicated to continued growth as a clinician within a collaborative team environment to provide the highest quality support for those seeking recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.

Greg Lowell serves as Director of Operations at Pine Tree Recovery Center, bringing personal insight and professional dedication to his role. After moving to Portland, ME in 2015 to pursue his own recovery journey, Greg became actively engaged in the local recovery community. This experience ignited his passion for helping others facing similar challenges, ultimately leading him to his leadership position at Pine Tree. Greg leverages his firsthand understanding of the recovery process to create compassionate, effective operational systems that support clients throughout their treatment experience. His unique combination of personal experience and operational expertise allows him to approach his work with genuine empathy and a steadfast commitment to Guardian Recovery’s mission of helping individuals find hope, healing, and lasting recovery.

Jennifer Whynot, LADC, CCS, serves as Clinical Supervisor and Clinician at Pine Tree Recovery Center’s Outpatient services. With over 17 years in behavioral health, Jennifer has extensive experience in mental health, co-occurring disorders, and addiction treatment across multiple levels of care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine and has been instrumental in Pine Tree’s program expansion, particularly with the Partial Hospitalization Program. Jennifer creates a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where clients feel respected and empowered to change. Using a client-centered, collaborative approach, she helps individuals achieve their recovery goals. Jennifer is deeply committed to Guardian Recovery’s mission of bringing hope, healing, and new life to those struggling with addiction.

Katelyn Driscoll, CADC, MHRT-C serves as the Continued Care Coordinator at Pine Tree Recovery Center. With a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience from Connecticut College, Katelyn brings valuable clinical expertise to her role supporting clients through their recovery journey. Her background includes advocating for vulnerable populations through her work in Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Education, where she developed programs focused on intervention and healthy relationships. This experience informs her compassionate approach to continued care coordination, where she helps client’s transition successfully from treatment to sustained recovery. Katelyn is dedicated to creating personalized aftercare plans that address the complex needs of individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, embodying Pine Tree Recovery Center’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for long-term healing and wellness.

Kerry Macdonald, RDN, is the Executive Director at Pine Tree Recovery Center and owner of Beacon Sober Living and The Plymouth House Women’s Extended Care programs. With over 10 years in the addiction, behavioral, and mental health field, Kerry brings extensive experience in clinical nutrition, hospital management, and healthcare. She previously served as the Acting Director of Women’s Extended Care for The Plymouth House and maintains active involvement on several Boards of Directors focused on addiction recovery. Kerry’s combined personal and professional experience fuels her commitment to providing exceptional, evidence-based treatment for individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring disorders, aligning perfectly with Guardian Recovery’s mission of helping people find hope and healing.

Linda Drukman serves as Director of 12 Steps at Pine Tree Recovery Center, bringing over 20 years of specialized experience in addiction treatment and leadership within the Guardian Recovery Network. As an integral member of the clinical team at both Pine Tree Recovery Center and The Plymouth House, Linda excels in developing individualized, structured recovery programs that address the unique needs of each client. Her expertise in the 12-Step methodology provides essential support for those beginning their healing journey. Beyond her clinical work, Linda remains actively engaged in the Portland recovery community and serves on the Board of The Family Restored, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders on their path to lasting recovery.

Jamie Hanson serves as a Lead Behavioral Health Technician at Pine Tree Recovery Center. With a Bachelor of Social Work and certifications as a CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and CRMA, she brings both professional expertise and meaningful lived experience to her role. After transitioning from a career in child protection, Jamie found her true calling in addiction recovery support, inspired by her own seven-year journey in recovery. During her three years at Pine Tree, she has developed specialized skills in providing structured, empathetic care that meets clients where they are. Jamie is deeply committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals struggling with substance use disorders can discover their own path to hope and lasting healing.

Kassadi McPherson, CADC, serves as Pine Tree Recovery Center’s Detox Clinical Lead. Holding degrees in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she brings expertise from inpatient psychiatry, crisis stabilization, and residential treatment. Her previous work at Tufts Medical Center, Sweetser, and the Morrison Center focused on direct care and crisis intervention. Kassadi’s calm presence and collaborative leadership create supportive environments where clients can find hope in recovery. She remains deeply committed to client-centered care and empowering individuals throughout their healing journey.

Rachel is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the AANP with specialized focus in addiction medicine. Her healthcare journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of New Hampshire, followed by contributions to published medical research. Transitioning to direct patient care, Rachel earned her RN from the University of Southern Maine before completing her Masters in 2023. At Guardian Recovery, Rachel combines her professional expertise with personal experience to provide compassionate, empathetic care to those struggling with substance use disorders. She finds profound fulfillment in supporting patients during their critical first steps toward recovery, noting, “It’s a gift to watch someone smile and start to get their spark back.” Rachel’s unique blend of clinical knowledge and genuine compassion makes her an invaluable asset to our treatment team.

Sarah O’Donnell serves as Director of Operations for Pine Tree Recovery Center and Southern Maine Recovery within the Guardian Recovery Network. With extensive experience in addiction treatment services, Sarah began her career at The Plymouth House Extended Care for Women before joining CuraWest in Denver, where she supported clinical, medical, and behavioral health teams. Drawing from her personal recovery journey that began in 2016, Sarah brings a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to her leadership role. She excels at creating safe, supportive environments where clients can begin healing with dignity and hope. Sarah remains actively engaged in 12-step recovery and volunteers with organizations supporting those affected by substance use disorders, embodying her commitment to helping others find their path to lasting recovery.

Storm Leland, RN, serves as Director of Nursing at Pine Tree Recovery Center, bringing valuable expertise from her nursing education at the University of Southern Maine’s Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Program and background in social services. Her experience as an advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence established a foundation of compassionate care that guides her approach to recovery support. Drawing from her own journey through addiction and recovery, Storm offers clients a unique combination of professional skill and personal understanding. She is dedicated to addressing barriers to treatment and creating an environment where clients feel valued and supported throughout their healing process. Storm’s leadership ensures that Pine Tree Recovery Center provides care that honors each individual’s dignity while offering evidence-based pathways to lasting recovery.